Against the shortage of doctors

Medical students receive 1000 euros per month

The places at the Med Campus in Linz, i.e. the medical university, are in high demand.(Bild: Daniel Scharinger)

The state of Upper Austria has now introduced a new way to combat the shortage of doctors: Students will be employed in the public service if they commit themselves for ten years after completing their training.

The problem is well known and Upper Austria, like other federal states, is suffering from an acute shortage of doctors: the state of Upper Austria has five unfilled medical officer positions and, despite an all-time high in staffing levels, the Upper Austrian Health Holding (OÖG) also has too few doctors - mainly in psychiatry (for adults and children), pathology and radiotherapy.

Presented the new incentive for prospective students: JKU Rector Stefan Koch, Health Officer Christine Haberlander and State Premier Thomas Stelzer.(Bild: Land OÖ)

1000 euros gross 14 times per year
One possible way to counteract this is the allocation of study places in the public interest made possible by federal law. In detail, this means that from the coming academic year, Upper Austria can allocate ten places in an unusual step. Medical students will receive financial support from the state during their studies in the amount of 1000 euros gross per month (14 times) if they commit themselves for ten years after completing their training - either with the state as an official doctor or in the subjects mentioned in a public hospital.

"The application to the state must be made before the medical entrance test," explain Governor Thomas Stelzer and Health Officer Christine Haberlander (both ÖVP).

Ten additional places per year for medical studies
A state committee will then conduct interviews and select the candidates. State Premier Stelzer: "The establishment of the Faculty of Medicine in Linz was and is a major step for our state." In the current year, there are 310 places for new students, and ten more will be added in each of the coming years.